Police launch new strategy to tackle rural crime in Northamptonshire

Chief inspector Tom Thompson

Published:11:35Monday 03 August 2015

Rural crime has dropped by 15 percent in the last five years, according to new figures revealed by Northamptonshire Police.

The statistics came as the force published a new three-year strategy outlining how it was tackle organised criminals gangs who target rural areas. The strategy, according to the force, also aims to challenge public perception that officers concentrate on urban crime rather than rural crime.

Chief Constable, Simon Edens, said the force planned to build on that success in the coming years, adding: “Rural communities, by their very geography, can feel vulnerable to crime and where crime does occur this can have a significant impact on the people living and working there.

“It is vitally important that Northamptonshire Police works with communities to ensure our service is of the highest quality and people feel, and are, as safe as possible.”

The strategy reveals that the force will provide rural officers with better training and equipment, carry out operations to tackle gangs who steal high-value farm machinery and work to prevent burglaries in agricultural locations.

The county’s police and crime commissioner, Adam Simmonds, said: “This rural policing strategy is a welcome development and will strengthen Northamptonshire Police’s ongoing work to tackle rural crime and protect people from harm.

“It also signals our determination to ensure that all communities have the confidence to work in partnership with the police to tailor how the force deals with rural crime issues.”

The strategy will be overseen and delivered by a command group led by Chief Inspector Tom Thompson.